16 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Blackheads

Caroline Heasley September 16th 2016 Health

What are blackheads? Blackheads are wide openings on the skin with a blackened mass of skin debris covering the opening. These common and annoying blemishes occur when your pores become clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells. Most people, when they see a blackhead, scrub their faces repeatedly in attempt to get rid of it. However, this is only going to make it worse and will dry out your skin in the process. So what is the ideal way to get rid of these pesky little bumps in a short amount of time? The answer resides in fifteen fast and natural remedies that you can do in the comfort of your own home.

1. Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay, a healing substance that has been used for centuries by cultures throughout history to treat skin related disorders, does a wonderful job of protracting oils and other impurities trapped in your pores. Due to its ability to produce an "electrical charge" when hydrated, Bentonite clay is a unique clay. Upon contact with fluid, its electrical components change, which gives it the ability to take in toxins. While this clay simultaneously draws out the blackhead, your skin has the opportunity to take in all the minerals. In addition, your overall skin tone and health is improved because of the circulation it causes. Thankfully, using bentonite clay to get rid of your blackheads is fairly easy.

The key to making sure that this rich mineral is effective is to form it into a wet paste. Simply mix the clay with water and using clean fingertips, apply a thin amount of the paste to your skin. Let this paste sit for 10-25 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water and moisturize as usual. Do not let healing clays like Bentonite come into contact with anything metal, because this will lessen its efficiency. It is best to mix in a glass jar with a plastic lid by shaking well or using a plastic whisk. Doing this mask once or twice a week is the best option and will guarantee the best results.

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2. Cinnamon & Honey Strips

In addition to sounding like yummy candy, cinnamon and honey make a fantastic and effective combination for getting rid of blackheads. This variation of the honey mask for acne treatment is a very effective and popular technique. Because honey is sticky and cinnamon is spicy, it may seem like they are both things that you would want to avoid getting near your skin, but in reality, this is far from the truth. Honey, a natural antibiotic, contains agents that can help keep away bacteria that are causing acne, including blackheads. Furthermore, honey acts as an adhesive and pulls out anything clogging your pores. Likewise, cinnamon improves circulation, which gives your skin a smooth and healthy glow.

To use this blackhead remedy, you will need cinnamon powder, honey, and clean strips of cotton. The easiest way to apply this combination is to mix the honey and cinnamon together until enough paste is made to cover all of your blackheads. Afterwards, apply the paste in a thin layer and then press a strip of cotton over it. For the best results, let it sit for 3-5 minutes and then rinse off with water. This is a mask that is ideally used about once a week. Because this is a sticky mixture, make sure that you have some paper towels nearby.

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3. Baking Soda

Baking soda is good for many different things including baking, cleaning, deodorizing, and exfoliating. In addition to being great at scrubbing away dead skin cells, it is a great contender against those pesky blackheads. With regular treatment, your blackheads will be a thing of the past. Baking soda helps neutralize your skin's pH levels, which will cause your skin to produce less oil. Because of it's abrasive properties, baking soda helps to clean the skin and remove blackheads. This remedy is a natural and inexpensive way to occasionally exfoliate and remove anything clogging your pores.

To use this blackhead removal remedy, mix baking soda and water to form a paste. Next, splash your face a few times with warm water to open up your pores. Apply the baking soda paste to your face, while especially concentrating on the blackhead areas. Massage the paste into your skin as gently as possible to exfoliate and loosen up dead skin, blackheads, and any other dirt beneath your skin's surface. Leave the paste on your skin for at least 1 minute and rinse off with warm water. Afterwards, splash your face once more with cold water.

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4. Egg White Mask

Hundreds of people swear by the egg white mask in removing blackheads. Egg whites create a simple mask that you can use to temporarily tighten your pores. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as selenium, which stop acne outbreaks in their tracks. Using this mask reduces the chance of future blackheads popping up and also gets rid of current blackheads. Egg whites are also a little less drying that some other home remedies.

For this mask, you will need 1 egg, facial tissue or toilet paper, a small bowl, and a clean towel. First, separate the yolk from the white and rinse your face. Then, pat your face dry and apply a thin layer of egg white over your skin. Place a strip of facial tissue or toilet paper over the wet egg white, making sure to press it onto your face gently. Allow the first layer to dry, and carefully apply a second layer of egg white over the tissue. When the mask is dry, peel the tissue off and gently wash your face to remove any residue. Finally, pat dry and moisturize as usual.

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5. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is more than a simple breakfast cereal. This nutrient-rich grain has many skin condition benefits including soothing irritation, removing dead skin cells, soaking up excess oil, and getting rid of blackheads. Oatmeal can be used as a gentle natural cleanser and exfoliant, loosening clogged pores that lead to blackheads. Oatmeal also contains strong antioxidants and provides moderate anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to make a variety of facial treatments alone or with other natural ingredients.

For the fastest and easiest results, simply use oatmeal by itself. Using water free of impurities, cook enough oatmeal to cover your blackheads. Let the oats cool to room temperature and smooth over your face. Be sure to avoid the sensitive area around your eyes while applying the oatmeal. Leave this mixture on for 10-20 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. For best results, use this remedy at least once per day. For great organic oatmeal, try Bob's Red Mill Steel Cut Oats.

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6. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a popular home remedy to get rid of blackheads from the nose and face. It is known all over the world to have antiseptic and antioxidant properties. Because it contains alpha-hydroxy acid, lemon juice naturally removes dead skin, making it ideal for cleaning clogged pores. In addition, the vitamin C in lemon juice is an antioxidant which triggers collagen production to boost skin health and minimize scarring from acne, including blackheads. After using this remedy, you will instantly feel that your blackheads are lessened, and your skin will be more clean and vibrant.

Start this home remedy off by washing your face with a gentle natural cleanser. Squeeze about one teaspoon of juice from an organic lemon into a glass. With a small cotton ball, apply to blackheads. Instead of wiping the juice on, dab it. Let it dry for at least 10 minutes and rinse off with cold water. Alternately, you can leave this treatment on skin overnight. It is best to use this treatment as often as once per day.

7. Green Tea

Green tea contains vitamins and antioxidants which help to disperse excess oil and reduce inflammation of acne-prone skin. Additionally, green tea helps protect your skin from future damage. This is one of the mildest, yet most effective way of getting rid of blackheads. Green tea is also rather inexpensive and can be purchased for around $1 per day.

For this remedy, fill a saucepan with 1 cup of water, place on the stove, and bring to a boil. Remove the pan from the stove and place 2 green tea bags into the water and let steep for one hour. Pour the liquid into a glass or ceramic bowl. Once cooled until lukewarm, scrub the paste on the blackheads for about 2-3 minutes. This will help in cleansing oily skin and well as clear all dirt from your pores. Finally, rinse with cool water, pat dry, and moisturize. Repeat this treatment once per day for the most effective results. For even better results, use loose green tea leaves.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar & Mint

A mixture of apple cider vinegar and mint leaves makes a very good skin toner. The vinegar will help in getting rid of blackheads on the nose and face. The mint will provide a calming and cooling effect to the skin. In addition, the menthol in the mint can help in reducing the inflammation around the blackheads.

For this remedy, you will need 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves, 1 cup of water, and a cotton ball. The easiest way to use this remedy is to chop the mint leaves and add to the apple cider vinegar. Pour this into a glass bottle and leave it in a cool, dark place for a week. After a week, strain the mixture and add a cup of water. Store this liquid mixture in a refrigerator for around 6-7 days. Wash your face and dab the liquid onto a cotton ball. Apply this to your face and leave on overnight. In the morning, wash off and apply moisturizer.

9. Epsom Salts

Epsom Salt is a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. While commonly used for easing sore muscles, Epsom salt can also help to remove blackheads and has numerous health benefits. It helps to prevent acne and blackheads by reducing inflammation. It exfoliates the skin and makes it soft, smooth, and silky. As a matter of fact, it actually pulls the plug out of each clogged pore so that they simply wash away. This ingredient is very cheap and can be used in combination with your daily cleanser.

For this particular remedy, start off by exfoliating around your blackheads to remove any dead skin that may hinder with this cleansing process. Mix 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts in half a cup of hot water and four drops of Iodine. Stir until all of the salts are dissolved then let the solution cool until it is warm. Massage the mixture into the skin affected with blackheads and let dry. To finish this procedure, wash your face with warm water and pat dry with a clean cloth. This blend will help loosen dead skin and clear your pores. Use this treatment as much as you like.

10. Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is a very useful and highly effective oil that has multiple uses and benefits. One of the main benefits of Tea Tree Oil is that it has bacteria-fighting abilities that help to treat acne, including blackheads. It will not strip your skin of natural oils and cause further damage. The Oil enters the blockage between your skin and sebaceous glads, and it is great at disinfecting the pores and drying out blackheads.

Tea Tree Oil can be applied directly to blackheads for an effective and natural acne treatment. Make sure your skin is clean and dry before applying the oil. Apply a small amount of the oil on your face everyday and be sure to pay attention to your nose area. Keep on your face for 10-15 minutes, or even overnight. Wash off with lukewarm water and pat dry, and then apply moisturizer. Using this regularly on your skin will help in not just removing blackheads, but also preventing them. If you have sensitive skin, it is best to dilute the tea tree oil with water. In addition to applying Tea Tree Oil directly to blackheads, it can also be added to facial masks and facial scrubs.

11. Cornmeal

Cornmeal acts as an abrasive to clean out dirt blocking the pores in your skin. It gently exfoliates the skin to remove the pimples and blackheads. This remedy is particularly effective for removing blackheads from your nose and chin.

For this remedy, you will need a small package of cornmeal and a facial cleanser. You can use any facial cleanser as long as it doesn't irritate your skin. Simply mix 1/2 tablespoon of cornmeal with 1 tablespoon of the facial cleanser. Gently massage this mixture onto your face. Concentrate on the areas where you have blackheads. To finish this treatment, rinse your face with lukewarm water. Before applying the cornmeal mixture, steam your face or place a hot towel over your face for up to 5 minutes. This opens your pores to make this treatment more effective. If you choose to do thus, make sure to rinse with cold water to help your pores close back up.

12. Fenugreek

Fenugreek, a seed that comes in powder and leaf form, is wonderful at subduing inflammation. It's powerful antioxidants help cure many different skin issues, such as acne and eczema. Because of it's anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, it is also great at removing blackheads from the sebaceous ducts of the skin. The reason why it is great for cleaning out blackheads it because the toxins and impurities that cause acne can be easily cured by this herb.

For the easiest way to complete this treatment, you need to purchase fenugreek powder. However, if you have fenugreek seeds, you can grind the seeds into a powder in a few minutes. Once you have the herb into powdered form, add warm water and mix it into a paste. Be sure not to add too much water because the treatment works best as a paste like consistency. After creating the paste, apply to your face in a thin layer. Keep the mixture on for about 20 minutes and then wash off with room temperature water. If you want to experience better benefits, wash your face and then apply the mixture and sleep with it over night. Wash it off with room temperature water the next morning. Using it over night works wonders!

13. Aloe Vera

The whole word knows the beauty benefits of Aloe Vera. The antibacterial properties of aloe vera gel are very effective in treating acne. Aloe Vera is also great at reducing the redness and inflammation caused by it. Regular application of Aloe Vera on the face tightens the pores and decreases the pores exposure to germs, preventing blackheads from forming. In addition, it has an excellent moisturizing effect, making the skin more elastic and more tones.

There are many different ways to apply Aloe Vera. The easiest remedy is to take a fresh aloe vera leaf and squeeze it to extract its gel. Take the gel and rub it on your blackheads. Repeat the process twice a day for at least one week to get rid of the blackheads. If you cannot obtain Aloe Vera leaves, you can always purchase Aloe Vera based products. If you choose this method, wash your face regularly twice a day by using facial soap containing aloe vera. Doing this once in the morning and once at night will help to improve the symptoms and prevent further breakouts.

14. Strawberries

Strawberries are delicious tart fruits that are the first to ripen in the spring. But, they are also super fruits, containing strong antioxidants and vitamin C that will provide your skin with wholesome nutrients. Strawberries have multiple benefits for the skin, including getting rid of blackheads. The acidic nature of strawberries enables it to remove excess oil in the skin. Specifically, strawberries contain salicylic acid, which is one of the top active ingredients in most acne treatments.

It is very easy to create a homemade strawberry cleanser for getting rid of blackheads. Using a fork, mash three ripe strawberries in a bowl. Wash your face with mild soap and warm water before using this treatment. Apply the strawberries to your face, rubbing in circular motions around your nose and forehead. Do not use around eyes, eyebrows, or within about a half of an inch around your mouth. This mixture dries up oils on your face and can irritate the more sensitive areas of your skin. To finish this treatment, rinse well with warm water and pat dry your face with a towel.

15. Tomatoes

Tomatoes, which are high in vitamin C, vitamin A and citric acid, are a natural blackhead remedy. They're very cheap compared to commercial acne formulas and may be less irritating to the skin. If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can also use tomato paste.

For this treatment you will need 1 ripe tomato, a metal hand juicer, and 2 bowls. First slice the tomato in half and using a hand juicer, collect the juice from the tomato. Pour the juice into a bowl and discard any seeds. Use the juicer to separate the tomato juice from the pulp. If you wish, you can pour the liquid into a small class bottle and add a little water to dilute it. Scoop the tomato pulp from the juicer and into a second bowl. Spread the tomato pulp over your face, concentrating around the edges of your nose, where blackheads tend to pop up. Leave the pulp on for 15 minutes. Wash your face with warm water and pat dry

16. Milk and Honey Pore Strips

Milk and honey are always good for your skin. The lactic acid in milk will aid in keeping your skin soft and smooth. Honey is loaded with antibacterial properties that will help get rid of blackheads.

Put one teaspoon of organic and pure honey in a small microwave safe bowl. Add a teaspoon of cold milk to the honey and mix well. Microwave the contents in the bowl for a minute. Once microwaved, mix the contents again. Allow the mixture to reach room temperature and then apply a thin layer of this mixture over the blackheads. Take a strip of dry and clean cotton cloth and pat it gently on the thin layer of the honey and milk mixture. Make sure that it sticks firmly on the mixture and allow it to dry and wait for about 15 to 20 minutes. After waiting, carefully peel the cotton cloth away and rinse your nose with cold water. Repeat this process three times a week.